This is a vintage (1943) Sheaffer Triumph Valiant Vac Oversize in striated Marine Green celluloid, with a 14k gold, two-tone Triumph XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a thorough cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, nib tuning, and a gentle hand polish. I work according to best practices in pen restoration and I use high-quality replacement components. This is the largest pen in the Triumph line-up, measuring 5-3/16" capped, with a barrel diameter of 0.49".

Sheaffer Triumph Valiant Oversize, XF

The Triumph nib and feed system was an achievement of monumental proportions. Fountain pen enthusiasts often talk about the greatest pen designs of all time. Some mention the Sheaffer Snorkel, some the Parker Vacumatic. In my opinion, the Sheaffer Triumph takes the cake. The phrase I wrote comes from a Sheaffer wartime advertisement, and I have to agree with its premise.

The Triumph nib and feed system is unlike the conventional nibs that are made today. It's a wrap-around design, with an oversized feed that has huge surface area. Ink gets buffered inside the section and is delivered to the tip of the nib at a steady, consistent rate, regardless of the temperature, pressure, paper, speed of writing, and other factors. It's an effective system, one that enables you to just write, without worrying about the nib starving for it, or skipping. The nib "just works."

This particular nib is an Extra-Fine, and it writes a smooth, self-assured line. The nib grabs onto the surface of the paper, the instant it's put to it. It won't let go unless you command it to. The slightly upturned tip makes the writing experience particularly pleasant, giving you a smooth, soft feel on paper, despite the nib's structural rigidity. You can even flip it upside down for a true hairline.

The Marine Green celluloid is breathtakingly beautiful. It's deep, rich, and vibrant. The gold-filled trim is in equally excellent condition. There are no flaws or defects of any kind. Just very faint surface wear. The imprint is strong. The section transparency very good.